During a recent interview with the Press Herald, actor Patrick Dempsey revealed his plans to quit his starring role as neurosurgeon, Dr. Derek Shepherd a.k.a. "McDreamy" on "Grey's Anatomy," the Hollywood Life reports.

"Dempsey, 48, says he plans to leave his starring role as Dr. Derek Shepherd -- referred to as "McDreamy" by admiring fellow characters -- in the near future, but can't yet say exactly when," reads the Press Herald article.

The article also reveals that Dempsey will continue to pursue acting and film production following his departure from "Greys Anatomy."

Though Dempsey did not provide a specific date for his "Grey's Anatomy" exit, the Hollywood Life reports that Dempsey's departure will not be anytime soon.

The Hollywood Life claims that Dempsey's "Grey Anatomy's" contract extends through the end of Season 12. Being that the show is only halfway through Season 11, fans can expect to see Dempsey for at least another season on "Grey's Anatomy."

In addition to discussing "Grey's Anatomy," Dempsey also opened up about his Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing that "provides free support, education and other services to cancer patients and their families," says the Press Herald.

Dempsey's cancer organization was initially created because of his mother Amanda Dempsey who suffered with cancer for 17 years and later died at the age of 79.

Dempsey explained that his role as a neurosurgeon on "Grey's Anatomy" ironically helped to shed light and raise awareness on his cancer center.

"Anytime I can bring attention to our great cause, I will," Dempsey said. "It is embarrassing, at times, to have your name up there, because no one individual is responsible for all this. But the reality is, I am visible. Acting (in "Grey's Anatomy") has been a blessing for me and has allowed me to do all this."

Click here to learn more about the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

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